you are warned

USAGE SUMMARY

"You are warned" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to warn or caution someone about something. For example: "You are warned to stay away from the old warehouse. It's extremely dangerous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Caveats are Twitter only allows one tweet to be pinned at a time (pin another and you are warned 'This will replace any previously pinned Tweet. Are you sure?') and you cannot pin tweets by others.

Forbes

Real wet stuff – you are warned not to slip on it.

The Guardian

Before you descend into the Chocolate Factory's basement to witness Brian Rogers's "Hot Box," you are warned.

The New York Times - Arts

And you are warned about a possible hangover "the morning after the first bath, you may feel a little stiff".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you are warned of an approaching tornado while you are in a skyscraper, go to an interior area away from windows, on a lower floor, if possible.

The New York Times - Science

But you are warned off eating street food so often that you only manage to eat a fraction of what's available.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

(Again, you were warned).

The New Yorker

You were warned not to walk down it after dark.

The Guardian

You're warned not to wander off the trails without a ranger.

Independent

Is that, have you been warned about that?

BBC

So, you were warned, but you were warned very quietly.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "you are warned," maintain a tone appropriate to your audience and situation. It can be authoritative in formal settings, or more casual among friends.

Common error

Avoid using "you are warned" excessively, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your language with alternatives such as "be advised" or "take heed" for a more nuanced approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you are warned" primarily functions as a directive speech act, specifically a warning. It signals to the listener or reader that a potential negative consequence or danger exists, prompting them to take caution. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you are warned" is a versatile phrase used to issue direct warnings about potential dangers or negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is most suitable for neutral to informal settings, more formal alternatives like "be advised" or "take heed" can be considered for academic or professional writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be forewarned

Highlights the advance nature of the warning.

Be advised

Emphasizes a more formal and direct advisory tone.

Take heed

Implies paying close attention to an impending risk.

Consider yourself cautioned

Adds a personal touch, emphasizing direct responsibility.

Let the buyer beware

Specifically warns about risks in a transaction, often used in business contexts.

Don't say I didn't warn you

Expresses potential future regret for not heeding the warning.

You've been notified

Focuses on the act of informing, rather than the warning itself.

Mark my words

Stresses the speaker's conviction about a future event.

Bear in mind

Subtler way to introduce a warning, suggesting consideration is key.

Remember this

Implies importance and potential consequences if ignored.

FAQs

How can I use "you are warned" in a sentence?

Use "you are warned" to caution someone about a potential danger or negative outcome. For example, "You are warned: this trail is known for its steep drops."

What is a more formal alternative to "you are warned"?

More formal alternatives include "be advised" or "take heed", which convey a similar warning in a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "you are warned" and "you have been warned"?

"You are warned" is a present-tense warning, while "You have been warned" indicates that a warning was given in the past and should be remembered. For instance, "You are warned about the icy conditions" versus "You have been warned about the icy conditions last week".

Is it correct to use "you are warned" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "you are warned" might be considered too direct for formal academic writing. Consider using more subtle phrasing, such as "it should be noted that" or "it is important to consider".